HS 271114 Ethylene, propylene, butylene and butadiene

Quick Answer: HS code 2711.14 covers liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) specifically consisting of ethylene, propylene, butylene, and butadiene. These are hydrocarbon gases, typically obtained from petroleum refining or natural gas processing, and are stored under pressure in liquid form. They serve as crucial feedstocks in the petrochemical industry for producing plastics, synthetic rubbers, and other organic chemicals. For imports into the UK and EU, the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00% ad valorem. In the United States, imports under this classification are also generally "Free" of MFN duties. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific product compositions against national tariff schedules, as minor variations or purity levels could potentially influence classification within broader subheadings, though 2711.14 is quite specific. Given the 0% duty rates, the primary focus for trade compliance will be on accurate valuation, origin determination, and adherence to any applicable non-tariff measures or regulatory requirements for hazardous materials.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2711140000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2711140000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2711140020 — — ["kg"]
2711140040 — — ["kg"]
27111400 Free — —
2711140010 — — ["kg"]
2711140030 — — ["kg"]

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

How Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

What products does HS 271114 cover?

This subheading covers specific unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons, namely ethylene, propylene, butylene, and butadiene, presented in a liquefied state. These are fundamental petrochemical building blocks, crucial for the production of plastics, synthetic rubbers, and various organic chemicals. The WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature for Heading 2711 explicitly includes "Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons," with subheading 2711.14 specifically delineating these four key olefins and diolefins when liquefied. Official definitions from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the EU TARIC system align, confirming the scope for these distinct chemical compounds in their liquefied form, essential for industrial processes.

What falls outside HS 271114?

The following products are excluded from HS 271114: these same gases when presented in a gaseous (non-liquefied) state, which are classified under HS 2711.29. Additionally, mixtures of these hydrocarbons with other substances, or more complex hydrocarbons, would generally fall outside this specific subheading. For instance, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is primarily a mixture of propane and butane, is classified under HS 2711.19. Chemically pure individual isomers of butylene (e.g., isobutylene) or butadiene (e.g., 1,3-butadiene) are still covered if they are the predominant component and presented as such, but complex mixtures or derivatives are excluded.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 271114?

A common error is misclassifying these products based on their physical state or purity. Importers sometimes incorrectly classify liquefied ethylene, propylene, butylene, or butadiene under HS 2711.29 if they mistakenly believe that subheading covers all forms of these gases, overlooking the "liquefied" distinction in 2711.14. Another mistake involves classifying mixtures containing these gases under 2711.14 when the mixture's predominant character is not one of these specific chemicals, violating General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b) concerning mixtures. Furthermore, failing to distinguish between chemically pure individual compounds and industrial-grade mixtures can lead to misclassification, requiring careful analysis of the product's composition.

How should importers classify products under HS 271114?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 271114 involves several critical steps for importers and customs brokers. First, verify that the product consists solely of, or predominantly, ethylene, propylene, butylene, or butadiene. Second, confirm that the product is in a liquefied state, as this is a defining characteristic of the subheading. Third, obtain a detailed chemical analysis or certificate of analysis from the supplier to confirm the exact chemical composition and purity. Fourth, consult the Explanatory Notes to Heading 2711 of the WCO Harmonized System for further clarification on scope and exclusions. Finally, apply General Interpretative Rule 1, ensuring the classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 271113 HS 271112 HS 271111 HS 271121 HS 290123 HS 290124

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2711.14 (Ethylene, propylene, butylene, and butadiene) in major trading blocs?

For HS code 2711.14, the MFN import duty rates are generally very low or free. For example, the United States (USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule) applies a 'Free' duty rate under General Note 3(c)(i) for goods from MFN countries. Similarly, the European Union (EU TARIC) typically applies a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. The United Kingdom Trade Tariff also lists a 0.00% ad valorem duty for MFN imports. These low rates reflect the nature of these products as fundamental chemical building blocks often subject to further processing.

Are there any preferential duty rates or free trade agreements that specifically benefit imports of HS 2711.14?

Yes, given the already low or free MFN rates, preferential agreements often reinforce this status. For instance, under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), imports of HS 2711.14 originating from Mexico or Canada are 'Free'. The EU also grants 0.00% duty under various preferential agreements. Importers should consult the specific Free Trade Agreement (FTA) rules of origin to ensure their goods qualify for preferential treatment, although for products already at 0.00% MFN, the practical duty saving is negligible, but compliance with origin rules remains important for statistical and regulatory purposes.

What are the key classification criteria for ensuring products fall under HS 2711.14?

HS code 2711.14 specifically covers 'Ethylene, propylene, butylene and butadiene' in liquefied form. The primary classification criteria are the chemical identity and purity of the gas. These are specific, distinct hydrocarbons. Importers must ensure that the product is indeed one of these four specified gases and not a mixture that would fall under other subheadings (e.g., 2711.19 for other liquefied petroleum gases) or a different chapter entirely. Documentation such as Gas Chromatograph (GC) analysis reports, Certificates of Analysis (CoA), and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are crucial to confirm the chemical composition and purity, aligning with the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 27.

What specific documentation is required for importing ethylene, propylene, butylene, and butadiene (HS 2711.14)?

Beyond standard customs documentation like the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers of HS 2711.14 should be prepared to provide: 1) A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Gas Chromatograph (GC) report confirming the chemical composition and purity of the gas. 2) Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous materials handling and regulatory compliance. 3) For preferential duty claims, a Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin) if the MFN rate isn't already free and a specific FTA provides a benefit. Due to the nature of these products, specific national regulations regarding transportation, storage, and environmental controls may also necessitate additional permits or declarations.